Collin Raye, Black Stone Cherry headline 42nd Marion Popcorn Festival

Ten-time country music male vocalist of the year nominee Collin Raye and southern rockers Black Stone Cherry headline the entertainment at the 42nd annual Marion Popcorn Festival, scheduled for Sept. 7-9 in downtown Marion.

One of the true hit makers of the 1990s, country artist Collin Raye will take the main stage at the Popcorn Festival at 8:30 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 8. Raye still continues to crank out soulful, heartfelt material with the honesty and richness that is signature to his vocals alone. With 25 top ten records, 16 No. 1 hits, and having been a 10-time male vocalist of the year nominee (5 CMA and 5 ACM), this truly electrifying performer of his era remains one of the great voices of our time.

Raye is nothing if not passionate. His soulful delivery has set country standards in such searing ballads as “Love, Me,” “In This Life,” “Not That Different” and “If I Were You." Always an energizing showman, he has also blazed through such vivid rockers as “My Kind of Girl,” “That’s My Story,” “I Can Still Feel You” and “I Want You Bad.” Raye shot to fame with “Love, Me” in 1991. Listeners were so moved by this golden and pure voice that this song set the cornerstone for a career built on meaningful and emotional songs that have often been used for weddings, anniversaries, memorial services and funerals.

When “Little Rock,” an anthem for those struggling with addiction recovery, hit the chart in 1994, its video led to over 100,000 phone calls to Alcoholics Anonymous from folks seeking help in their addictions. “Not That Different” was a song that pleaded for tolerance. “In This Life” became a wedding favorite, and “I Think About You” won awards for its song and video which exposed the exploitation of women and children. His latest release “Scars” features the title song duet with Miranda Lambert, and additional tracks with Vince Gill and the Black Keys’ Dan Auerbach.

Raye has consistently used his stardom to advance social causes. Among the organizations he has supported are Boys Town, First Steps, Al-Anon, Special Olympics, Country Cares About AIDS, Catholic Relief Services, Parade of Pennies, Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital, The Tennessee Task Force Against Domestic Violence, The Emily Harrison Foundation, Childhelp USA, Silent Witness National Initiative, Easter Seals, The Life and Hope Network, and Make a Difference Day. It came as no surprise when in 2001 at the Country Radio Seminar, Clint Black presented Collin Raye with the organization’s Humanitarian of the Year award in recognition of Collin’s issue-oriented music and his tireless charity work.

Black Stone Cherry will hit the main stage at 8:30 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 9. Formed in 2001 in Edmonton, Kentucky, the band has recorded seven studio albums as well as two EPs. Their newest work "Screamin’ At The Sky" is scheduled to drop in September and is available now for pre-order.

Their first releases from those sessions are trademark rockers, “Out Of Pocket” in January, and the current song “Nervous”, joining BSC staples “White Trash Millionaire,” “Blame It on the Boom Boom,” “In My Blood,” “Again,” “Me and Mary Jane,” “Cheaper To Drink Alone,” “Blind Man,” and “Ringin’ In My Head.”

Lifelong friends Chris Robertson, vocals/guitar; Ben Wells, guitar/vocals; and John Fred Young, drums; welcome new bass player Steve Jewell on his first studio recordings, having played with them since 2021.

The festival entertainment kicks off at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday evening, Sept. 7 with the Popcorn Block Party featuring Almost Chili Peppers, a tribute to Red Hot Chili Peppers, opening for Old Skool, a Cleveland area dance and hip hop group.

Almost Chili Peppers, the Red Hot Chili Peppers concert experience, presented by Route 30 Harley-Davidson of Upper Sandusky, provides fans with "great musicianship and incredible stage energy that will make you feel like you are at a RHCP concert from the MTV years. With a catalog of more No. 1 charted singles than any other band in modern rock history to choose from, Almost Chili Peppers performs all the hits and many of the deep cuts and newer releases that Chili Peppers fans know and love."

Following the festival's opening ceremonies at 8:30 p.m. on Sept. 7, is the return of Old Skool, presented by Buckeye Community School. Originating in Cleveland in 2013, Old Skool has earned the reputation of being oneof the tightest, most fun, high-energy acts ever witnessed in the region. Included in Scene’s "Best of Cleveland” (Best Cover Band), Old Skool takes a fresh approach to the flow of the live show, often featuring hard-hitting song blocks, mashups, and medleys that are usually only attempted by the best of DJs.

Combine this with choreographed stage moves, throwback style costuming, and top-notch musicians playing the songs just like the record, and you'll see why Old Skool is sure to please live music enthusiasts and dance-crazed clubgoers alike. With an ever-evolving song list, they'll rock anything with that "Old Skool" flava. Paying true to form tribute to the '80s and '90s golden age of hip hop, R&B, dance, pop, rock, funk, and even some classic disco or current hits if the mood is right.

All performances on the festival’s main stage are presented free of charge.

Other festival events and activities include the Popcorn Parade on Thursday with over 300 units, a 5K Run, the return of a Popcorn Golf Outing, a Fine Arts show, crafts and vendors, a corn hole tournament, the Community Showcase Stage, a new Christian Stage, a Poppin’ Party stage beer garden, a Popcorn Matinee musical performance at the historic Marion Palace Theatre, and much more.

For information, visit the web site at www.popcornfestival.com or call 740-387-FEST.

This article originally appeared on Marion Star: Collin Raye, Black Stone Cherry headline 42nd Marion Popcorn Festival